For the first time in 36 years Canada have qualified for the World Cup finals. Are they going to be in Qatar just to make up the numbers or could they reach the knockout stages?
Their previous time in the World Cup finals didn’t go that well. Three matches were played against the Soviet Union (that shows how long ago it was), Hungary and France. All were lost and not one goal was scored by the Canadian team.
Since then, Canada has had to rely on the women’s team to go deep into the World Cup finals. Eight years ago, the men’s team nearly reached the finals but missed out by a solitary place. They didn’t exactly end the qualifying rounds well, losing their last match 8-1 to Honduras.
Times have changed since then though. The qualifying group for the 2022 World Cup saw Canada finish top and Honduras bottom without a single win being achieved. However, Honduras could say that they were the only team to go to Canada and come home with a point.
Canada only won two of their seven away group games. Anyone who loves betting on games ending with under 2.5 goals scored would have done well. All seven of Canada’s away group matches saw that statistic come up. Keeping it tight in Qatar will be important if they want to get into the knockout stages.
Canada’s recent form has been mixed as they prepare for the finals. Only two of their last five internationals have ended in a victory. The hosts of the 2022 World Cup will have a good idea of how good Canada can be. September saw them beat Qatar 2-0, but they then lost 1-0 to Uruguay in their final warm-up match.
This will be an important tournament for those who love to bet on football. Canadians have more online sportsbooks to join and place singles. In the US, for example, New York will be legally able to place World Cup wagers for the first time. You can bet on the US soccer team with Caesars sportsbook at +10000.
They haven’t been given an easy draw with games against Belgium, Morocco and Croatia. Unlike some tournaments, countries must finish in the top two to qualify. There’s no best third placed rule in place in the World Cup.
Canada’s first match will be a difficult one to win. They take on Belgium, who finished third in the 2018 World Cup. The Canadian defenders will have a tough time against players such as Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.
Up next is a match against the 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia. The Croatians have had an up and down time since the last World Cup. Recent form has improved though, and they won their group to reach the Nations League finals that take place next June.
Canada will do well to get something out of those two games. If they do, then their final group match is against Morocco. They also have a special reason for remembering the 1986 World Cup. That was the only time they have made it to the last 16. 2020 saw Morocco win the African Nations Championship, so again not an easy game for Canada.
Qualifying for the knockout stages would be a major achievement. Their most important task is to not be disgraced and see this tournament as a stepping stone for when they co-host the next World Cup in 2026.
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